Sunday, May 4, 2008

Matchy Matchy

I'll admit it. I am NOT in denial. I am not a matchy matchy person. If you are a matchy person, I think you know who you are. You know, your bed has to be in the center of the wall and you have identical end tables on each side of the bed and one medium sized picture directly above your headboard. You, are far better organized then I, and when your items are in perfect proportion you are calm and happy. But alas, I don't match. I am me. My brain needs to jump from here to there, notice this and that. It will glaze over and shut down if everything is an exact match. Lets face it, we've all been there...walked into a room where every piece of wood is stained the same color, every fabric is from the same line (even the wallpaper), and every accessory looks like it was purchased from the same store. Beautiful? Sure. Do my eyes glaze over? Yes. Even you matchy people know when it's just tooooo much. In my opinion, coordinating, not exact matching is what feels good to me. This brings me to the house project that has been floating around in my head...my kitchen. I'd like to replace my island (work station, seats 4 people) with something that doesn't MATCH my other cupboards....remember it will coordinate.
Here are a few pictures I got from http://www.kitchens.com
Notice the variety of colors, countertops, and textures in the same kitchen. The islands are all different, and it just feels good to my brain.

My cabinets are honey oak and the layout is similar to this kitchen (below). I don't have a sink in my island. I think I would like to go with an island in almond or black. I'm liking these light fixtures too. We'll see....

Ele what great inspiration photos, I especially love the white kitchens which always have been a favorite of mine. I know your a very talented lady and will use all this inspiration to come up with just the right kitchen design for you and your family.

I'm with you, don't like to go into houses that look like they came out of a Sunday add, very boring. My favorite look in a home is made up from interesting items collected over time. It just gives a home a lived in quality, some place that's well loved.

Ele, the bulletin boards look great. I feel exactly like you, Ele, mix and match! Great kitchen pics. They are all beautiful, especially to me because my kitchen is so small. Too have a kitchen island is a dream to me!

I confess, I confess!!! I'm a matchy person as you describe but I prefer to call it "symmetrical"!! Nuuuuu, I like different fabrics all around, different styles and different woods - painted or not! BUT if I could have a big island in my kitchen it would be white or some color instead of wood looking! I truly love the unfitted look in furniture. Just go for it, sweetpea. You'll love it when you are done! And stop calling me matchy, just call me "different"!! LOLSmoochies my little chickadee,Connie

I totally agree with you on the matchy, matchy thing. It's not my style either.I would go with the different colored island as well. There is nothing in my house that matches. I would never be able to live with that. I like the unordinary.I do not have a big kitchen. I have a townhouse and it is really only big enough for one person to be in there at a time to cook etc...So, consider yourself very lucky to have that choice.Good luck in your decision.Glenda

That banner is great! I'm not a matchy match person either. At Thanksgiving, I have two harvest tables with a bunch of different chairs and benches all around it. I love creative things, and matchy stuff doesn't work with my brain. Everything flows well though. :)

Ele, you are reading my mind, girlfriend! I soooo need to re-do our kitchen & didn't know where to even start for ideas! Thanks for posting that website. Wow, pics 1, 3, & 8 are doing it for me!!!! How 'bout you?

I am in the midst of a kitchen redo/remodel. So far: new floor, new countertops, some beadboard, my farmhouse house sink (named Alice)... Adding the final touches ASAP. The grout just dried last night! Putting the appliances back tonight! So excited. Love all your pictures. So inspiring.

That 3rd kitchen is my dream kitchen! But this old farmhouse has a small - er, cozy - kitchen with old pine floors and cabinets that I'm dying to paint! I'm not matchy either. In fact, I have this phrase that drives my family nuts: "Could I have the flu in this room?" If there's too much of the same pattern, it'll just increase the nausea =) Blessings... polly

Hi Ele, Your post is great and I could not agree more. I really love when a kitchen island is it's own unique piece. I also redesigned this way in my own kitchen. The center island became a separate piece of furniture not matching the rest of the cabinets. This changes the whole look of the room. I can't wait to see yours. I know it will be fabulous!! Loved your pictures and the details.

I totally agree with you Ele! I love a style that's more mixed and matched...like you said, it just feels good to my brain, lol! I love your bulletin board idea!! I can't stand a fridge with stuff all over it...that does NOT feel good to my brain!

Love your banner Eleanor and I'll take any one of those kitchens you've pictured. Of course, I'm anything but matchy, matchy. All my kitchen cabinets are red now (surprise I know), but they used to be painted a sort of taupe color with one bank of drawers in red and the pantry door (which is a screen door) in red. The red bank of drawers also had distinctive crystal knobs. LOVED that look, but the taupe was too bland for me. After five years I still love my red cabinets just as much as I did on the first day:)

BLESS YOU for posting these kitchen renovations. We are in the process of choosing new counter tops and new cabinet hardware (plus painting the current cabinets) and I could really use the inspiration and ideas. :-)

hi eleanor ~ i get it ~ no matchy matchy around here, i live for things just a bit off. we made an island out of old bead board cabinets, had an oak top made that overhangs on one side and it's old, worn, and just works! best of luck with your kitchen! xo heidi

The kitchen pics are so inspiring, I'd love a beautiful kitchen. One day... Totally agree with you on the matchy! Your home is looking lovely Ele and I love the banner you made, the wording is so clever xo

Ele, those kitchens are gorgeous and guess what...my island is different than my cupboards. Did that a few years ago. Actually could only afford to change the island! Go for it. You'll be happy with it. Karen

Hi Ele , I am new to your blog. I found you from Stephanie's links. Love your blog. I am going to put you in my favorite places to visit,and you said in another of your posts that you wanted to know if it was ok to add our blog to your links. I would really be honored if you added me to your links.Oh and I liked the island that was angled in one of your kitchen pics. I am going to try that in my kitchen.Please come visit me sometime , bye bye.

My house is such a mish mush! I could never live in a house of one style. Of course, I do appreciate them and do envy anyone that can keep a NEAT house. I wish I could...but just not me.Love your banner!

I wish I had a kitchen big enough for an island. I saw a table that would be perfect for a kitchen island while I shopping this week. Big square store counter with drawers underneath. The top was a dark, thick wood and the bottom was painted white. You would have loved it!

Beautiful kitchens. I'm sure yours will be just as beautiful because you have such inspirational pictures to mix and/or match.Have fun with this venture, and I can hardly wait to see it's completion.Blessings & Hugs,